evidence

I've just this second read one of my favourite 'mistakes'; the use of evidence in the plural (evidences). This is very, very common, and I can rely on seeing it at least 8 times out of every 10 that the word occurs in any form. If I had a złotówka for every time it came up... (insert contrary joke here ;).

Fortunately, the solution is simple: 1) Never ever write evidences. 2) Always check that the surrounding sentence structure matches its correct use as a mass (uncountable) noun. 3) Pour yourself a drink, smile contentedly, take a sip.

OED Summary:
evidence (mass noun): He gave evidence to the court.
evidence (verb with object): The quality of the photography, as evidenced by her use of light, is outstanding.

as a phrase: in evidence - His acting skills are still very much in evidence.

Examples, Good and Bad:
1a) On the sides of the unit, evidences of leakage were found
1b) On the sides of the unit, evidence of leakage was found.

2a) The festival is regularly reported on by the biggest newspapers and is always acclaimed by international critics, evidences of its growing success.

2b) The festival is regularly reported on by the biggest newspapers and is always acclaimed by international critics, evidence of its growing success.

Now then, back to the drinks. Err, work. Back to work.